This election, like all the elections that I have stood in previously, I will not be engaging in preference deals, Rob Oakeshott said.

“People should be free to make up their own mind when it comes to how they direct their preferences.”

“I have never engaged in making preference deals because I believe these back room deals are not healthy for our democracy.”

In 2010, Oakeshott Independent issued How-to-Vote cards that placed a 1 next to the Oakeshott name and left the rest of the spaces blank, coupled with instructions that voters must number every box. However, with the absence of a guide to follow, many voters did not fill in the remainder of the boxes on the card. To avoid making preference deals, whilst ensuring no one unwittingly submits an informal vote, we will be distributing a number of variations on our How-to-vote card, where preferences will be in different orders.

“I still strongly encourage everyone to make up their own minds when it comes to who they allocate their preferences to. It is the voters choice as to who gets 2 and 3 on a ballot paper, not a party’s.”

“We only ask for a 1 next to the Oakeshott name, and a valid ballot paper.”

On Monday the 20th of June, between 8 & 9pm, Rob Oakeshott, the Independent Candidate for the seat of Cowper will be answering questions from voters on Facebook Live.

It is important that all candidates make their policy positions clear so that voters know exactly who is best to represent them in parliament, Rob Oakeshott said.

“I’d like people to realise they are always welcome to ask for my view on the issues that affect them directly, whether I am running for a seat in Parliament or in office.”

“On Monday, I hope to cover as many questions as possible on policies that affect the Mid North Coast and the rest of Australia.”

Rob Oakeshott noted that limited internet infrastructure in some areas of the Cowper electorate means that this online conversation will not be accessible to all.

“It’s a real shame. Areas such as Bellingen and Scotts Head should have just as much access to an online democratic conversation as anyone else. It proves that the current broadband policy is not good enough.”

“We will be publishing an outline of the questions answered on oakeshott.com.au so that those who cannot stream can still participate in the conversation and ask their questions on Twitter and Facebook.”

Anyone can submit questions by tweeting them with the tag #oakey4Cowper, or by posting their questions on the event page.

On Saturday the 18th of June, between 12 & 2pm, Rob Oakeshott, the Independent Candidate for the seat of Cowper will be attending the Bellingen Markets to hear from, and talk with, voters from the Bellingen shire and surrounding areas.

Bellingen is an important part of the Cowper electorate, and it is vital that their local needs are addressed by their Member of Parliament, Rob Oakeshott said.

“The issues that face Bellingen are reflective of the issues that face the rest of the Mid North Coast."

"The entire area needs to benefit from an MP who will work to secure the economy for generations to come, secure access to quality health care for all Australians and will secure pathways into a world-class education system."

"Access to the internet infrastructure of the 21st century, and ensuring that Australia transitions to clean energy future are also priorities in Bellingen and the rest of the Cowper Electorate. "

"I look forward to discussing the issues that face the Bellingen community at the markets tomorrow. This sort of community consultation will become part of business-as-usual, should I be elected as the Independent Member for Cowper."

Rob will be taking part in numerous community forums in the coming weeks, these will be outlined in further correspondence.